It was just like the second day. England's batsmen dominated the first session, India's bowlers took a clump of wickets in the second session, and England's lower order frustrated the bowlers after tea. India were on the verge of taking a massive lead and possibly bowling England out short of the follow-on mark before Joe Root averted the danger along with the lower order to end the day unbeaten on 78. Root put on 78 with Stuart Broad, and an unbroken 54 with No. 11 James Anderson as England ended the day trailing by 105.

The pitch remained slow and unresponsive through the third day, but India's seamers got more out of it by bowling a much straighter line. Where India's batsmen defended 288 balls from England's seamers and left 257 balls alone, England's batsmen, by stumps, had defended 175 balls and only left 87 alone. It took until the 33rd over of the day, and the second over of the post-lunch session, for India to taste any success.

It came from Ishant Sharma, who got the ball to duck back in from a good length to make Robson pay for staying stuck in his crease. The ball hit his front pad before cannoning onto his back pad and umpire Bruce Oxenford had little hesitation in giving him out, even if Hotspot picked up what might have been a faint inside edge.

The umpires changed the ball two overs later, after it looked to have gone out of shape. And the replacement, much to India's delight, showed itself far more responsive to the clouds that had gathered overhead, after two clear days. Ishant immediately got it to curl late into the left-handed Gary Ballance and ping him on the front pad - this time, there was absolutely no doubt about the decision. Only two Indian batsmen had been dismissed bowled or lbw. All of England's top three had been dismissed with no help from fielders.

Ian Bell caressed his way to 25 before he fell victim to indecision, bottom-edging Ishant to the keeper while trying to withdraw his bat from a short, rising ball outside off. Indifferent bounce consumed Moeen Ali ten overs later, when he took his eyes of a Mohammed Shami bouncer that didn't quite rise as expected and ended up gloving the ball to slip.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar came to the party with ten minutes to go for tea, swinging the ball away from the right-handed Matt Prior and then the left-handed Ben Stokes to have both caught behind. Prior had reason to feel aggrieved by his dismissal, with replays showing a fair sliver of daylight between ball and outside edge.

After tea, Broad went after the bowling, driving and slashing on the up through the off side. Despite the old ball doing a bit, India took the new ball two overs after it was due, and the runs came even quicker, Broad striking five fours in the first two new-ball overs. The mood rubbed off on Root as well, and he got in an uncharacteristically big front-foot stride to drive Bhuvneshwar sweetly through the off side.

Smart Stats

Ishant Sharma has got rid of Ian Bell five times in 13 Test innings. He is one of five batsmen who have been dismissed by Ishant at least five times in Tests. The others are Ricky Ponting (7), Alastair Cook (7), Michael Clark (7) and Shane Watson (5).

Ishant has 18 wickets in his last 5 innings. However, his 18 previous wickets took 18 innings. Similarly, Ishant has taken two five-wicket hauls in his last two Tests, to go with three from 53 Tests.

If India's seamers take the final wicket tomorrow, it will be only the second time that their quicks have taken all 10 wickets in an innings in England. It will be the 13th instance across countries.

Stuart Broad has 360 runs at Trent Bridge, his home ground. The only other venue he has more runs is Lords, with 648 runs. In nine innings at Trent Bridge, Broad averages 40 and has three fifties. His batting average of 33 against India is his highest against any team. His strike rate of 89.79 against India is second only to the 90.27 he has against Sri Lanka.

The combined 10th wickets of India and England have produced 165 runs. This is only bettered by the combined first wicket stands for both teams, which have produced 198 runs.

Just when the partnership was assuming dangerous proportions, Bhuvneshwar got one to straighten from leg stump and hit Broad's front pad in front of leg stump. He had his fourth wicket seven overs later, when he nipped one back to bowl Liam Plunkett.

India still had Anderson to get past, though. In his last Test match against Sri Lanka, he had blocked out 54 balls before being dismissed two balls short of saving the match and the series. Here, he came out with a different approach. Root initially farmed the strike, placing the ball adroitly into the outfield to take the singles that India gifted him with their deep fields.

Given the strike, Anderson went for his shots, punching Bhuvneshwar through the covers, reverse-sweeping Jadeja, and only looking uncomfortable when the fast bowlers dug it in. Root and Anderson batted for 14.3 overs, and could yet overhaul the 111 runs that Bhuvneshwar and Shami, India's last-wicket pair, had put on on the second day.

In the morning session, Robson and Ballance had looked largely untroubled, and had seemed by lunch to have won the contest of patience against India's seamers. Ballance took guard outside the crease to negate the effect of his extravagant back-and-across trigger movement and get relatively close to the pitch of the ball when the bowlers drew him forward. Robson got nicely on top of the ball when he defended off the front foot, and even Bhuvneshwar's inswing, by and large, didn't cause his head to fall over.

The only chance in the session came when Robson, on 43, inside-edged Ravindra Jadeja as he tried to work the ball around the corner. Virat Kohli dived to his left from leg slip and got his fingers under the ball but couldn't hold on.

The bowlers lost some of their discipline late in the session, and Ballance capitalised to beat Robson to fifty. There had been no fours for 12 overs before Ballance took three off one Ishant over, two clipped off his legs and one slapped past backward point.

Stuart Binny, who replaced Ishant from that end, released a little more of the pressure, leaking four boundaries in his first three overs, and both batsmen reached their 50s with steered fours down to third man off him. Binny didn't bowl in the second session, and only sent down one over after tea, and with Jadeja threatening to play a bigger role in England's second innings, India may come to wonder if they should have gone with an extra spinner.

Ishant, though took wickets was most inconsistent bowler. He bowled too many no balls and thinks speed is only thing in a bowling and not accuracy!. He should learn from Making a regarding fast bowling on accuracy and Johnson on Speed. If he does not improve should be fired. Bhuvi is an example for accurate bowler.

sachin_vvsfan
on July 12, 2014, 12:59 GMT

Now pressure is on dhoni . Draw seems to be the safest bet. Eng bowlers will probably try hard for a win now . No DRS and hope for minimal umpiring mistakes.

PeerieTrow
on July 12, 2014, 12:59 GMT

@YorkshirePudding: As you admit that you hadn't seen any of the play, I simply don't understand your logic here. Who would you suggest should do the reporting? I suggest you watch the interview with Kapil Dev and Wasim Akram, both of whom said it was a wicket just like you'd get on the subcontinent. Does that mean by your logic that every subcontinental wicket should be reported?

on July 12, 2014, 12:53 GMT

It.s about captaincy...not the pitch....cuz the same pitch was good enough to take the first 7 wickets.

Nampally
on July 12, 2014, 12:51 GMT

Dhoni must be regretting his XI selection in which he dropped Ashwin with 6 LH batsmen in he England side. The result is even 2 LH bats who are the pace bowlers, Broad & Anderson, could pummel the Indian bowling. I do not understand why Dhoni made such drastic changes with o back ups either. Rohit Sharma is an excellent off spinner too. Bringing in Rehane + dropping Ashwin for Bunny were the 2 moves which any captain with little bit f common sense would not have done. At least when Ashwin is dropped, by keeping Rohit in XI, there was a back up offspinner to help him out if needed. Now Anderson is on his way to century mostly Sweeping/pulling the ball for 4's. Broad also had a field day with 47. Dravid as the team Mentor could first advise Dhoni how to select a balanced XI. This is where Dhoni has failed very badly as a captain consistently. With England in Lead which was unimaginable when they were 202 for 7.What a turn of fate from Winning position to fighting to eke out a draw!

looloogun
on July 12, 2014, 12:50 GMT

dhoni is cool & stuff like that is alright ,it works in odis & t20s .just because there is always pressure on scoring runs you just can run through motions and hope for the results to come for you just like he does in odis taking the game to the last ball etc ,but here in test cricket there is no last ball , if dhoni tries something new , think fast change fields ,insoire bowlers show some intent etc the match would look interesting even if you loose .

on July 12, 2014, 12:45 GMT

The pitch seems so dry without any pace. The ball is not seaming straight allowing Root and Anderson to get bat on ball. Dhoni has tried everything, the short ball, spinner nothing seems to be working.

I dont know why everyone here is blaming Dhoni when the pitch is lifeless and the bowlers can't make any movement. This match is definitely going to end in a draw unless india post a big total in quick time and teak quick wickets in england's 2nd innings.

YorkshirePudding
on July 12, 2014, 12:44 GMT

I've Just got in after a morning out in the sun, dropped onto ESPN to check the score, thinking I'd see India with a 150-200 run lead, and frankly I cant believe what I'm seeing. I really think the pitch needs reporting if you can have a 181 run Last wicket Partnership, especially when viewed with the Indian Last wicket partnership of 111, thats nearly 300 runs scored by the last wicket out of 900+ runs.

ishaan1997
on July 12, 2014, 12:43 GMT

I see many people criticising dhoni, he did everything he could, but not to any effect.
Even after such a big stand, he had attacking fields for anderson. There was also a point of time when litrally everyone was around anderson.
I mean, on a such a flat and slow pitch, it is very difficult to get someone out when he is set.
Though i hope anderson gets a century, he deserves it fully.

PeerieTrow
on July 12, 2014, 12:41 GMT

England outplaying India on a subcontinental wicket under a sunny sky; interesting, to say the least. I do wish Dhoni wouldn't appeal for caught behinds when the camera shot from behind the wicket clearly shows the ball to be missing the bat by inches. It's not as if he can claim his bowlers are delivering the ball so fast that he hasn't time to get a good look.

ravi6004
on July 14, 2014, 7:56 GMT

Ishant, though took wickets was most inconsistent bowler. He bowled too many no balls and thinks speed is only thing in a bowling and not accuracy!. He should learn from Making a regarding fast bowling on accuracy and Johnson on Speed. If he does not improve should be fired. Bhuvi is an example for accurate bowler.

sachin_vvsfan
on July 12, 2014, 12:59 GMT

Now pressure is on dhoni . Draw seems to be the safest bet. Eng bowlers will probably try hard for a win now . No DRS and hope for minimal umpiring mistakes.

PeerieTrow
on July 12, 2014, 12:59 GMT

@YorkshirePudding: As you admit that you hadn't seen any of the play, I simply don't understand your logic here. Who would you suggest should do the reporting? I suggest you watch the interview with Kapil Dev and Wasim Akram, both of whom said it was a wicket just like you'd get on the subcontinent. Does that mean by your logic that every subcontinental wicket should be reported?

on July 12, 2014, 12:53 GMT

It.s about captaincy...not the pitch....cuz the same pitch was good enough to take the first 7 wickets.

Nampally
on July 12, 2014, 12:51 GMT

Dhoni must be regretting his XI selection in which he dropped Ashwin with 6 LH batsmen in he England side. The result is even 2 LH bats who are the pace bowlers, Broad & Anderson, could pummel the Indian bowling. I do not understand why Dhoni made such drastic changes with o back ups either. Rohit Sharma is an excellent off spinner too. Bringing in Rehane + dropping Ashwin for Bunny were the 2 moves which any captain with little bit f common sense would not have done. At least when Ashwin is dropped, by keeping Rohit in XI, there was a back up offspinner to help him out if needed. Now Anderson is on his way to century mostly Sweeping/pulling the ball for 4's. Broad also had a field day with 47. Dravid as the team Mentor could first advise Dhoni how to select a balanced XI. This is where Dhoni has failed very badly as a captain consistently. With England in Lead which was unimaginable when they were 202 for 7.What a turn of fate from Winning position to fighting to eke out a draw!

looloogun
on July 12, 2014, 12:50 GMT

dhoni is cool & stuff like that is alright ,it works in odis & t20s .just because there is always pressure on scoring runs you just can run through motions and hope for the results to come for you just like he does in odis taking the game to the last ball etc ,but here in test cricket there is no last ball , if dhoni tries something new , think fast change fields ,insoire bowlers show some intent etc the match would look interesting even if you loose .

on July 12, 2014, 12:45 GMT

The pitch seems so dry without any pace. The ball is not seaming straight allowing Root and Anderson to get bat on ball. Dhoni has tried everything, the short ball, spinner nothing seems to be working.

I dont know why everyone here is blaming Dhoni when the pitch is lifeless and the bowlers can't make any movement. This match is definitely going to end in a draw unless india post a big total in quick time and teak quick wickets in england's 2nd innings.

YorkshirePudding
on July 12, 2014, 12:44 GMT

I've Just got in after a morning out in the sun, dropped onto ESPN to check the score, thinking I'd see India with a 150-200 run lead, and frankly I cant believe what I'm seeing. I really think the pitch needs reporting if you can have a 181 run Last wicket Partnership, especially when viewed with the Indian Last wicket partnership of 111, thats nearly 300 runs scored by the last wicket out of 900+ runs.

ishaan1997
on July 12, 2014, 12:43 GMT

I see many people criticising dhoni, he did everything he could, but not to any effect.
Even after such a big stand, he had attacking fields for anderson. There was also a point of time when litrally everyone was around anderson.
I mean, on a such a flat and slow pitch, it is very difficult to get someone out when he is set.
Though i hope anderson gets a century, he deserves it fully.

PeerieTrow
on July 12, 2014, 12:41 GMT

England outplaying India on a subcontinental wicket under a sunny sky; interesting, to say the least. I do wish Dhoni wouldn't appeal for caught behinds when the camera shot from behind the wicket clearly shows the ball to be missing the bat by inches. It's not as if he can claim his bowlers are delivering the ball so fast that he hasn't time to get a good look.

Englishmanabroad
on July 12, 2014, 12:32 GMT

Is there anyone out there that still thinks that this is a "reasonable" Test match wicket??

I guess it would be if your ambition was a high scoring draw. The bowlers on both sides have done the best they could, but with no help at all from the pitch or conditions, this is what you get.

I know that the clubs are perfectly happy since they get a full 5 day game, but if it gets to the point that a draw is inevitable, then I doubt they will get enough supporters to justify destroying the game. Very short sighted !!

Just as a note, the bowling performances on both sides were artificially boosted by some very questionable umpiring decisions.

ladycricfan
on July 12, 2014, 12:26 GMT

Blame the pitch. Bowlers can't do anything on this pitch. Take the draw and plan for the second Test.

y4yoga
on July 12, 2014, 12:25 GMT

5 left Handers and No Ashwin.... I Hope MSD Replaces Ashwin With Binny(A man who is just for fielding) in the coming matches

y4yoga
on July 12, 2014, 12:21 GMT

MSD Without Ashwin looks like man without Weapon in the Battle Field

on July 12, 2014, 12:13 GMT

Here we go again. Same life-less Indian Test Match with captain who has no idea what's going on.

looloogun
on July 12, 2014, 12:04 GMT

binny is injured or what ?why not try kohli ? boring unimaginative captaincy!
poor binny this is how you demolish a guys confidence and kick him out of the team .one of most uninspiring captain dhoni.

on July 12, 2014, 12:04 GMT

Even the Englishmen seem to be inspired by the Lankans. They have become confident after seeing the likes of Angelo Mathews, etc, get runs in England and feel that if they can we also can.

on July 12, 2014, 11:58 GMT

Ind's dream broken to lead some runs on Eng, what is doing Dhoni? where game master mind missing.

on July 12, 2014, 11:50 GMT

yes Dohni is Right and perfect man but in india

on July 12, 2014, 11:47 GMT

its evidently the captain's (Dhoni's) inability to leading or take vital tactical decision at right times. He has to understand the expectaions of true fans and not to lead a test in to such a boring conclusion. it's not the first time , various times he showed his inability as captian to attack the tail enders.

Snambidi
on July 12, 2014, 11:43 GMT

This Test match is of very rare nature in many respects.

The main attraction of the match ,which is likely to end on equal terms, is that the last wicket pair frustrated the opponents in the same manner..there is just one difference.
The Indians were virtually Tail Enders who frustrated England but the Britishers are one recognized batsman & the other a bowler.
Who isca degree above can be decided only after the first innings is folded up.
Virat Kohli a recognized Batsman failed for India.Captain cook failed for England.
But the record is in favor of England slightly above India.
There is nothing else to say about this Test match.which would end tomorrow withou any win to record.
Really an amazing match. tail Enders have excelled before.
But in both cases the last pair dictating terms is happening for the first time in the History of Cricket.
If anyone can point out a similar match ,I shall be grateful

on July 12, 2014, 11:29 GMT

Dhoni learnt nothing from his mistakes of previous tour.

on July 12, 2014, 11:27 GMT

Is Dhoni the right man to lead India? The question will always stay in our minds. He has this proven inability to break long partnerships. The man has set a record of giving away so many opportunities to press home an advantage.

on July 12, 2014, 11:25 GMT

Common Indian speedsters,where are those Yorkers??Forget to bowl or doesn't know to bowl Yorker??Jamie is handling the short pitch deliveries very well..Frustrating nt to c even a single yorker

Horrors of 2011 are haunting again india lokked competitive in first part of test 1 but from there on it was all england and it seems history is repeating itself but that shows how bad dhoni and fletcher are for this india time we are standing at 10-0 since last england tour and we have not learned enough thats pathetic.

LALITHKURUWITA
on July 12, 2014, 11:15 GMT

The Test match with 10th wicket centuries.

mikkkk
on July 12, 2014, 11:14 GMT

If Prior had dropped a catch like that the knives would be out but because its Dhoni few people...:-)

on July 12, 2014, 11:13 GMT

No imagination by India. Atrocious bowling. Dropped catches. How to lose a lead . India foxing, they don't want to lead!

JAHID_OMAR
on July 12, 2014, 11:12 GMT

Come on Anderson You can Score a century against this world's POOREST Bowling attack.. You won't get this kind of a chance again in your whole career..!!

bronko
on July 12, 2014, 11:11 GMT

This is why i always said India should of played Aaron instead of Binny purely on the basis of getting tail enders out ,its pace what gets them out not swing

mikkkk
on July 12, 2014, 11:10 GMT

Botham just made a good point in commentary - if this had been Cook captaining the knives would be out but because it Dhoni few say anything. Dhoni has never been a one for ideas. If plan A fails then stick to plan A. He was like this the last time he was here and the intervening years have shown no improvement.

yogesh.gg
on July 12, 2014, 11:03 GMT

Wow , such a pathetic bowling performance , no grit whosoever in Indian bowlers.

LALITHKURUWITA
on July 12, 2014, 10:59 GMT

Cok and Anderson Should swap the Batting positions.

on July 12, 2014, 10:54 GMT

Poor captaincy from Dhoni. Anderson is a poor tail ender and one of the worst in the world. Poor bowling and fielding also by Indians. This is what I call a county bowling attack

Mervo
on July 12, 2014, 10:45 GMT

If Root can get 100 with his shonky footwork then that wicket will win. A draw.

Cric__Dude
on July 12, 2014, 9:34 GMT

Well said Viswanath Sankaranarayanan. Binny needs to be given few more chances. Even Wasim Akram was saying it takes few overs to warm-up before you bowl your best. Binny actually bowled well in his 5th and 6th over. Very poorly used by Dhoni. If anyone said Binny should be considered 4 years back, it would have been a joke. But last 3 seasons in domestic as well as IPL, he has been terrific. He can surely make a dent on the opposition (ask Bhajji, he was at the receiving end). He should be given few more chances before being dropped. Even Sachin was duck out in his first ODI.

Cric__Dude
on July 12, 2014, 9:21 GMT

Guys, why are you criticizing Binny. He bowled just 6 overs. 3 of them were very good. I have watched all 3 days ball by ball. His batting misfired, yes. When Dhoni got out, he thought tailenders might not last and he went for scoring fast. This is not a spinning track to have 2 spinners. It is a dead wkt. Ashwin should replace Jadeja if at all. You give Rohit more than 100 ODIs and Ishanth more than 50 tests to prove. Yet you decide Binny's value by 5 overs and 1 innings. Great. The playing 11 is perfect (maybe Ashwin instead of Jadeja). But Dhoni's captaincy and lack of quality pace is hurting. The 3 pacers were not really menacing. There were few good balls which got wickets and few decisions went our way.

on July 12, 2014, 9:16 GMT

The game at best will be a draw as India are struggling to get the first 10 wickets let alone having to take another 10 wickets ( which most likely will have to be done in one days play) This series is going to be about who has the fittest bowling attack as all bowlers will have to bowl lots and lots of overs on these dry flat wickets throughout the series. Can't see Broad lasting the whole 5 tests. Atleast India can bring in Ashwin as he could be the difference later in the series.

Cric__Dude
on July 12, 2014, 9:11 GMT

Dhoni's captaincy is really poor. The way he rotates bowlers is just disgusting. Take a cue from Michael Clarke. He has so much of aggression. He tries to get a result everytime. I think India is missing that. Pacers should be given short spells but told to bowl as much aggressive as they can. Dhoni for sure looks like ruining Binny's career. He gave 1 over in NZ and stopped it there. Had Binny not got a chance in Bangla, who knows, his career would have ended. And Dhoni does the same thing again in Eng. Gives 5 overs and stops there. Boss, give him enough chances. He bowled superbly in his 5th over.
Those who are wanting Ashwin instead of Binny, guys, this is not a spinning track. This is a dead wicket. It has nothing for anyone. This is a proper eleven but Dhoni's captaincy ruining. If Ashwin has to play, he should replace Jadeja or a pacer. Our pacers were lucky with few decisions. Actually they did not look menacing. Binny should get few more chances before being dropped.

on July 12, 2014, 8:55 GMT

Can India bowl England out in just one day; even if it is a 5th day's wicket?

Answer is simple. If they can not do it in one day, they can't do it in one-and-a half days either. In that case settle for a draw.

Only in an unlikely scenario of India losing all ten wickets like nine-pins in a couple of sessions, England has a any chance of winning this test. If that happens, Indian batsmen need the strongest condemnation.

on July 12, 2014, 8:48 GMT

May sound crazy, coming from an Indian. Let the last wicket pair of England bat for at least half an hour till the early morning moister on the pitch is dried out.
Otherwise, I am worried about India losing a few early wickets.

If Vijay & Dhawan start after the pitch has settled down, the loss of half an hour or so can be MORE than made up. If we get a good opening partnership going, we have enough batsmen down the line who can bat a fast clip, much faster than England can do on the fifth day.

on July 12, 2014, 8:23 GMT

The tailenders will decide the result

on July 12, 2014, 8:17 GMT

How long root and anderson can waste time in the morning session can have some impact on the outcome of this match. the longer they can stay at the crease the more chances the england will have for draw. so ideally root and anderson should continue with yesterday's plan of taking singles, occasional boundaries etc but you never know a batsman needs just one ball to lose his wicket. alternatively anderson can try aggressive batting but it can easily backfire by getting all out easily.

on July 12, 2014, 8:17 GMT

As a neutral my money is firmly on an Indian win from here, If any one of Dhawan, Kohli or Dhoni get going they can score very quickly. 40 overs bowled and I think the English bowlers are going to have pretty heavy legs... Unless they challenge the stumps I just don't see them bowling the Indians out for under 200. I'm not sure that Dhoni would declare this evening, but I can see him setting England 350 to get for the last day. This pitch is not going to be good to bat on come the last day and the way the likes of Robson, Ballance and Root bat, I just can't see them chasing down a total. Bell and Moeen perhaps but by the time they are coming out to bat England may have shut up shop. I just cannot see an English win, they would have to change their bowling plans completely and somehow learn how to bat on the front foot overnight. I just can't see it.

Bell and Ali were looking good but then made errors of judgment. Stokes looked clueless and Prior - well he missed it by some distance but let's not boo about that and save the poor umpiring rants for others batsmen as it never happens to England does it?
England will be very disappointed with the close of play score from where they were at lunch but pleased from where they were when they lost their 7th wicket.

India well on top but I suppose it could have been a whole lot worse. Not sure how well the pitch will hold up today/tomorrow but I'm not sure English batsmen are mentally tough enough to hold it together for a day. Let's see how bold India are with their declaration and how they bat in the 2nd inns

Fangahawk
on July 12, 2014, 7:53 GMT

Good bowling by the quicks of India, however they should have tried to be more aggresive on Anderson, and also Joe Root. Found Matt Prior's dismissal exteremely unlucky, but even Murali Vijay's wicket was pretty shocking. And Chappel thinks that Dhoni shouldn't haveappealed fo thecatch, but then the Englant team shouldn't have appealed for LBW against Murali Vjay too.

on July 12, 2014, 7:53 GMT

Atrocious captaincy by dhoni just changed match.It was a sure win for us when eng were 202/7.Its not at all good to allow 150 runs to the lower order.And when root and Anderson, dhoni was happy giving a single on the 4th ball of every over instead of bringing the field in and letting Anderson face all 6 balls next ovet

sergio11
on July 12, 2014, 7:49 GMT

What is happing to the speed of bowlers??saw Broad,Anderson,Stokes bowling at mid 120s..bhuvi always in that sorta range..shami early 130s..something to do with the pitch i guess..

MBIOF
on July 12, 2014, 6:55 GMT

Indian team did better batting and bowling than English team but the difference has been very low, so far. Thank God, England team didnt lose their tenth wicket in the evening of third day, otherwise, God knows India could have lost 2-3 precious wickets. We want their tenth wicket to play atleast one hour today to neutraise morning freshness of wicket.

Cook again looked clueless with both, Bat and with captain's Hat. Tenth wicket partnership of Bhuvi and Shami proved that this England team dont have proper plans. This 100+ runs partnership plans have almost ensured that India cant lose from here, however India have handsome chances to win if India bats till the tea, with 6+ runs per over. 350 Target would be ideal.

Binny seemed unwarranted bcoz of Dhoni tactics.If Dhoni has picked Binny, atleast he should be given enough chances to prove himself, otherwise it would be wastage of one crucial slot, which India cant afford on an away tour. Ashwin would have been better choice IMO

sachin_vvsfan
on July 12, 2014, 6:53 GMT

Still Long way to go in this match. Anything can happen even though we have upper hand at the moment (the score was some 200 odd for 7 and now it is 350/9 The tail is doing better from both sides). We should first bat out England (probably need to bat the whole day). Draw seems to be the likely result but you never know. Either of these sides can crumble in one single session(don't forget there is no DRS and umpires can make some costly decisions like the ones in SA second test where the result was changed in one session)

@ electric_loco_WAP4 LOl. You want us believe you are Indian? Nice try.

gundapps
on July 12, 2014, 6:52 GMT

With the old ball doing a bit it would have been better if MSD had persisted with it for a few more overs so that Jadeja could have bowled a few more overs and may have got Broad out before he started to take the bowling apart.
Indians in recent times have not batted too well in the second innings and have not been able to get the opposition all out in the fourth innings. England should take heart from this.

on July 12, 2014, 6:49 GMT

Indeed, this innings has been the mirror image of the first. The odds must still be on the draw, but if India lose early wickets in the second innings, who knows?

on July 12, 2014, 6:49 GMT

@Sushanth Rao- Thanks mate, I appreciate it.. I don't like to pick up fights with anyone bcz It's pointless, I am here to support my team and I think nobody is capable enough to stop me from doing so, Not even my team itself can stop me from believing in them.. Let other ppl say whatever the hell they want to say, Cricket is played on the field not in a forum like this one.. Nothing can change the outcome on the field, Infact even if I die, my soul will cheer for them from the stands.. Let SL, Eng, Aus, SA etc. fans spit venom on our team, Our team will shut all critics on the field by displaying top-class cricket like they did yesterday..
#Bleedblueeveninafterlife

ladycricfan
on July 12, 2014, 6:41 GMT

Well done Indian pacers. It was a superb spell by ishant. Shami supported him well and Bhuvi got the ball to swing beautifully to finish with 4wickets.

Robson was clearly out. Prior got a howler just like Vijay did. Sooner or later Bcci also will adopt DRS. Only flaw now with the DRS is if the reviews are used up, a nail biting finish could end with a howler. Umpires should be allowed to consult the third umpire after the fall of the 8th wicket in the 4th innings and the last 15 overs on the 5th day.

Anderson is turning out to be a stubborn batsman. India can win if they break the last wicket partnership early.

on July 12, 2014, 6:32 GMT

India's position hides it's inadequacies. India could have been in a worse situation if it were not for Dhoni's (improbable given his overseas record) innings and the last wicket partnership. I believe that both batting sides are fragile (with India looking more secure if the firm of Pujara-kohli are in business). If the batters can get 400+... Indian bowling, which is competent at best, will look better. England have the advantage of having 2 bowlers in Anderson and Broad who are capable of running through and dismissing a side cheaply. Indian bowling will need much help from English batsman to achieve the same end.
I expect India to not do that well in second innings with England coming into the match. After that what Cook does will be instrumental! Exciting 5th day ahead ;)

sumit1982
on July 12, 2014, 6:23 GMT

Before the start of the series everyone raise the question of the ability of Indian blower for taking 20 wickets. Gr8 display by Indian blower.I think Binny not providing enough support to jadeja,I think in 2nd test we will see ashwin .Since Ashwin has good batting technique and he provide some variation in blowing which we don't see in Binny.

RapidCommentsPlz
on July 12, 2014, 6:16 GMT

@electric_loco_WAP4 lolz we wont be talking to you! yousefahmed will be enough for you!! BTW you dont need pace to pick up wickets.look at Bhuvi!!good luck !!BTW stop acting like you are an indian. we all know you are not.

on July 12, 2014, 6:13 GMT

Recently in SA & NZ Indians were having significant upper hand but then they had Kallis (century even in his last test), De Villeres, McCullum, etc who can bat for very long and score good runs too and because of their effort they could save some tests and also win some tests, but England does not seem to have a single such inform batsmen in their team now and without such batsmen a team cannot force a draw in these situations. The lead india already having and the time still left in this match can be easily intimidating to the england. Remember cricket matches are drawn by batsmen and won by bowlers. If batsmen are good, confident, and in form then they can eke out a draw from almost any situations but england batsmen are currently not in form & they are not confident so it will be a herculean task to draw this match for them. They need several heroes for 2nd innings batting. How well englad bowls in the 2nd innings is no more an issue only one thing will count now is their batting.

IndianInnerEdge
on July 12, 2014, 5:51 GMT

Heartening display by india - firstly they showed they are up for a fight...whatever the pitch is-same for both teams....hope Eng get over their perennial pitch whinge...Ishant bowled with intensity&good rhythm which he has only shown sporadically over the55 test carreer.....Even before the team left india-several including me said whatz Stuart binny doing in the team? For tests? Why& how do india manage such spectacular misfits - EG Vinay kumar, Stuart Binny, Rajinder singh ghai(in the 80's), Bhupinder Singh (one or two odi's in the 90's), Abhimanyu Mithun, Bharath Arun, Harvinder singh(90's), Reetinder sing sodhi(fantastic fielder though,& a good junior wc winner), Thiruvukkarasu Kumaran,......all of the above are pathetic 120kmph glorified offspinners, one or two might be better than average fieldes but uniformly are pathetic batsmen. How do the selectors even imagine that they are test material? India surely has to take the cake for such characters! cricinfo plz publish

on July 12, 2014, 5:42 GMT

Indian team has to be very methodical in their second innings batting. After posting
a big first innings total they do not bat historically well in the second innings and if
the cloudy conditions exist,they might fold under 150! Indian fielding and bowling
was not good so far as the last two ENG wickets have already added 150 runs feasting on Indian bowling with ease. Depending on the Indian bowling in the morning and batting later on the fourth day India can draw or lose this test! An
England defeat looks remote on this pitch.

ishaan1997
on July 12, 2014, 5:33 GMT

I think bhuvaneshwar might be the allrounder dhoni is looking for!!
He can bat also as he showed today and he also featured in a patnership with dhoni when he scored 224. If he can continue this, then he can be the fifth fast bowling allrounder.
Then we can play pankaj or ishwar in place of binny and maybe move bhuvi up the order(Obviously only if the wicket demands 4 ast bowlers)

on July 12, 2014, 5:30 GMT

Looking the trend so far one thing is certain England has to fight for a draw. I do not think they have even a minuscule chance of winning this test, the best they can get is escape with a draw. India already has a lead of 100+, and even if they can get another 150 or so in their 2nd innings - means a total of around 250 is more than enough since there is no way england can chase that total in the 2nd innings with this batting line up. I am sure india will gather around 250+ in their 2nd innings so the total lead can easily amass to around 350+ so where is the chance of england winning this? they cannot confidently chase even 150 to 200 runs against this disciplined bowling from indian bowlers and england batsmen are either poor in confidence or inexperienced or out of form and the only question now is whether they can escape with a draw in this test? I hope England somehow survives this test, all the very best!

electric_loco_WAP4
on July 12, 2014, 5:28 GMT

@visvanath-Pace's something you have or dont.Got little to do with pitch.Shami being medium pace like Bhuv rarely >135k in air trajectory.Dull pitches as this only exacerbate his ineffectiveness.Genuine quiks-Mitch/Steyn-on this same pitch will touch 150.

on July 12, 2014, 5:24 GMT

@Arun Bose - Im here to read comments from people like you who remains unbiased regardless of how good or bad Team India performs, unlike the others who simply like to pick a fight with the Srilankan or the English fans. We are here to talk and know about the actual facts of cricket and not to degrade or humiliate our fellow cricketing nations. Kudos to you man.

on July 12, 2014, 5:15 GMT

I don't know what role Stuart Binny has in this line up. He has not bowled much and surely he was not picked for his batting. India need to re-think their strategy.

cricketisagame
on July 12, 2014, 5:05 GMT

@ wapuser: Look at both of your comments here. Nothing changes in terms of situation of the 1st test but your comments contradict themselves. I can't see India winning. Just two results are possible. Posted by wapuser on (July 11, 2014, 22:28 GMT) Indian bowlers are too tired to pick wickets in the second innings. I can't see India winning. Just two results are possible. Posted by wapuser on (July 12, 2014, 1:54 GMT)Poms being put under pressure in their own back yard, back to back by two sub continent teams. Has this happen before in English soil? Posted by wapuser on (July 12, 2014, 1:57 GMT) I still believe that England can save this test, given Indias poor record overseas in the past 12 months.

on July 12, 2014, 5:01 GMT

I think still we are laking in balance, from 2nd test , Ashwin should be in Playing XI. Aswin not a bits & peices bowler atleast he can tight the things in middle overs. Then we will play proper 5 bowler & 3 bowlers can bat also. Ashwin , Jadeja & Bhuvi.

on July 12, 2014, 4:51 GMT

So on a dry pitch India pick a bits and pieces spinning allrounder and a bits and pieces medium pace allrounder. Ashwin should have been picked as the spinning allrounder as he's averaging 39+with the bat in tests. Nobody can convince me that Jadeja is a better player than Ashwin in tests either bowling or batting. Meanwhile Binny has bowled around 6% of India's overs...

How did the ECB agree to not have DRS in this series? 2 howlers already. When India host they can choose not to have DRS but the home team should set the playing conditions.

Game still poised as if India can wrap up England with a decent lead they should be able to come in and have a quick lash with their endless batting lineup and put England under pressure on the last day.

on July 12, 2014, 4:37 GMT

@greatest game: "Perhaps the most unexpected was that Eng bowled 90 overs in a day". LOL. So true. Brilliant spot.

IAS2009
on July 12, 2014, 4:32 GMT

there were some very unusual dismissal Ali, Bell and Prior otherwise England would have batted well overall, Prior out was blunder by any standard, I am not sure why Dhoni appealed, this is where DRS should have used to avoid blunder, once you ran out of appeals the bowling team can appeal on everything and bad call from umpire will have last laugh. Both captains have to be aggressive to win, both are dull at the moment, both captains lacks the tactics to get 10th wicket this tells the story of this series, a slow and unresponsive wicket is creating good match ( very good for Ground gate money and TV money), advantage India if they get England out in first hour under 30 runs, otherwise it is draw. India will play safe not to loose.

on July 12, 2014, 4:29 GMT

I think a draw is the most probable result, considering both captains are staunch believers in the safety - first approach. The next morning will show what both captains have in mind. If Root and Anderson go into full defence mode blocking and leaving, then it'll be clear England just want to bat as long as possible, not give India enough time to bat on Day 4, thus ensuring it will be a draw unless one of the Indian bowlers steps up on Day 5,and picks 5 wickets in a single session. If India still allow singles to Root, then England are goanna make merry and reduce the lead to under 50. If Root and Anderson come all guns blazing, then it'll be clear Eng want to win, and if Dhoni asks bowlers to attack both batsmen, then it will show India are looking to win. I think Jadeja or one of the seamers has to play a huge role on day 5,to force a result. Not to mention a huge contribution from Kohli, Dhawan or Dhoni or even a quick 30,40 from Binny, Jadeja, to put up 350+ to chase.

on July 12, 2014, 4:20 GMT

Stuart Binny is a bits and pieces player, and does not belong at this level. He should never have been in the touring team, for starters. I hope the selectors have learned their lesson, and use him as the 12th man, hereon - given his fielding prowess.

on July 12, 2014, 4:19 GMT

This test has shown once again that MSDhoni is the best wicketkeeper when it comes to standing up to the stumps. Period.That is he superb when it comes to keeping on turning tracks to spinners is well known- who doesn't know his lightning stumpings. In England's innings he has shown that he is also superb standing up to the seamers.

on July 12, 2014, 4:00 GMT

@Priyantha Bhareti- Cook is a class batsman but he's horribly out of form but that is no reason to mock him like this.. Cook is a good man who doesn't chirp on the field or in PC much and he respects every opposition and give them proper respect which many England captains in the past didn't .. Nasser, Vaughn, Botham, Gower etc. are examples of them..

ThePacifist10
on July 12, 2014, 3:56 GMT

It's a flat pitch, alright. But our boys have brought it to life. Speaks volumes about our bowling abilities! Go ahead, England, give us a nice green-top to bowl and bat on, we'll be fine! I'm worried about our ability to wrap up the tail though I suspect Dhoni is purposely stalling so that we did not have to bat yesterday and this morning, which will give our batsmen better conditions to bat on. They can't get any better anyway, but I wish Dhoni had brought in the field a little earlier. Doing it with three overs to go was a tad boring.

I'm glad our bowlers brought a flat pitch to life though! So what if this is a draw, we have four more Tests! Binny needs better conditions than this to work with though. Patience is needed. All the best boys! Great opening statement and intent! Kohli needs to pick up his close-in fielding game, however. I'm sure he'll recover with the bat; he hasn't looked out of touch at all.

on July 12, 2014, 3:42 GMT

Aha!! The so-called inexperienced Indian bowling line up has done way better than the 4-pronged English line up. And the star??? Ishant Sharma..... Though Bhuvi has 4 to his name, it was Ishant who turned the game on its head after that flawless batting display by Robson & Ballance... He got Robson first, then Ballance, then he got Bell out in the same session to push England down, and did his job as the leader of the attack.... Boosted the confidence of Shami and Bhuvi too, they then picked 3 wickets in between them, and England went 7 down and trailing India by a lot. Those who are asking why Binny was not used, look at the figures, he bowled 5 overs conceding 22 runs, his main job was to tighten things up, but he gave away 4s to Ballance and Robson. He bowled only two balls that looked threatening, and still some people are saying he looked like taking a wicket. Binny can move the ball around only with the help of the pitch, and on this lifeless track, he can't do much.

on July 12, 2014, 3:28 GMT

Stuart binny is a good all rounder,unfortunately this is not the pitch for him to debut . In the next test ,I hope dhoni be patient and give binny an other go. To remove tailhanders india need bowlers who bowl 140+ ,but unfortunately this pitch isnt fast enough as shami too clocked oly 132kmph . Tomoro india should get the last wicket as soon as possible and scored a quick 220-250 runs and try to get last 10 wickets in last day.

Greatest_Game
on July 12, 2014, 3:26 GMT

I can't believe the predictions made here, by fans from both sides. If this test has shown us anything, it is that he most likely outcome is the one we least expect. I would not be at all surprised if this test ends as a tie, off an overthrow, of the extra ball after a no ball, & the overthrow will come after a leg bye that was appealed as an lbw and became a bye because the batsmen sneakily took off & crossed over when the fielders were watching the argument between the keeper and the umpire, and the keeper then missed the throw in that would have been a run out but became an overthrow instead...

Two post lunch collapses, two tails wagging, a nick caught but not appealed, a miss appealed and given out, bowlers dominating with the bat, batsmen floundering, Ishant on a rampage … such strange events we have seen. Perhaps the most unexpected was that Eng bowled 90 overs in a day! Shocker!

The only player who firmly met all expectations was, of course, Cook!

Expect the unexpected!

sudhindranath
on July 12, 2014, 3:13 GMT

Once again, the bowling side seems to be having difficulty getting the 10th wicket. The last wicket partnership was the second highest of the Indian innings. And now, it is already the 3rd highest of the England innings. If they add another 25 runs, it will become the second highest partnership of their innings.

The problem is the bowling sides aim to get the weaker batsman out rather than trying to get either batsman out! They keep giving singles to the main batsman at the start of the over and to the weaker one at or towards the end of the over. And soon enough, before they realize it, the partnership is worth 25 or 30 runs and the tai-lender is confidently middling the ball! They don't try such crazy stuff when they are trying to get one of the openers' wickets, so why do it for the last wicket?!

dunger.bob
on July 12, 2014, 2:55 GMT

As I recall both teams said they were going to be more aggressive in their outlook. Well, I think that's just about to get tested. Hows this for a possible scenario.

India will clean up the final wicket pretty early in the piece and their lead will be 80-100. That'll leave about 5.5 sessions in the match. When India bats again they'll need to do 2 things to force the end-game. Firstly, they'll need to get about 100 runs per session for 2 sessions giving them a lead of around 300. Next, they'll need to declare this afternoon and give themselves as much of the final session as they dare to knock a few early English wickets over and then bowl like demons on the final day. .. Risky? Sure is. Necessary?. Abso-bloody-lutely if they really are keen to play an aggressive brand of cricket. .. anything less than that and it'll be a draw so long as neither collapses completely in their second innings.

CricketFanIndUS
on July 12, 2014, 2:42 GMT

BCCI should allow for either umpire initiated DRS or a modified DRS if not the current form of it (I understand there are issues with hot spot and some others). Why do England and Australia not put pressure on the BCCI for this?

The incorrect decision on Vijay yesterday was costly for India and Prior's today was costly for England. India was bitten way too many times with incorrect decisions due to the lack of DRS and ended up losing a couple of test series.

Robson was out lbw, as replays showed that it was bat/pad contact that produced the hot spot, both commentators (think it was Holding and Botham) clearly said so. Initially it seemed like bat and ball contact but they corrected later on.

@Codandchips - Robson decision was correct, but I do hope BCCI allow for technology / third umpire replays etc. They are the only ones against it for some reason!

on July 12, 2014, 2:42 GMT

Anderson for England's opener's spot.....He has spent more time at the crease lately than Cook, often including second or third new ball...LIKE if you agree..

on July 12, 2014, 2:25 GMT

@Suren Anthony- They will try to save this test but they won't be able to bcz our bowlers will rip them apart in the second innings as well and our batters(most of them being T20 specialist as well) will score at a brisk pace to give England a formidable total to chase in their 2nd innings.. Don't go by past records, Records are meant to be broken, Don't believe me? Ask Usain Bolt who likes to break his own records..
I believed in this team even when nobody believed in them and I am sure they are gonna win it and create history by winning their first test in an overseas test series for the first time ever...Call me crazy but I am the biggest, ever optimistic die hard fan of Team India and I will support and believe in them even in afterlife..
#Bleedblue

nilb
on July 12, 2014, 2:13 GMT

Looking at this performance against India I think even Bangladesh might beat this English team.

on July 12, 2014, 2:02 GMT

All of a sudden Anderson has become a batter after the heroics against SL, almost pulling of a draw in the second test

on July 12, 2014, 1:57 GMT

I still believe that England can save this test, given Indias poor record overseas in the past 12 months.

on July 12, 2014, 1:54 GMT

this is tricky game from now on for India.... they have to be very careful and are one session away from losing this match ( I hope that won't happen) ..... imagine this pair is broken early in morning and India batting with lead of around 80 runs...and Indians SHOULD and WILL go for win, in the process of that they try to score brisk runs and results are just like jadeja and binny ( trying to score quickly, got out ) and they may fold up for 200 in 2nd inning with lead of 300 with 1 and hour to go to stumps on day 4 and England will take this challenge, especially root and bell will be determined.... hope India take it easily, nice and steady and go with healthy rate of 3.5 rpo and give England target of 350 with 100 overs.... and hope jaddu makes some damage to England especially on this 5th day track..... let's hope that "it all ends where it all started"

on July 12, 2014, 1:54 GMT

Poms being put under pressure in their own back yard, back to back by two sub continent teams. Has this happen before in English soil?

JustIPL
on July 12, 2014, 1:52 GMT

The english tailenders anderson/plunket have score just 30* while indian tailenders ishant, shami and bhuvi scored 110 runs so indian innings got more resue due to tailenders runs.

cricketisagame
on July 12, 2014, 1:49 GMT

Are those people who predicted 600/3 for England still coming here.. perhaps they are all have swallowed their words finally. @ wapuser: Indian bowlers are too tired to pick wickets in the second innings. Don't you think that applies equally if not more to English bowlers too??

A strange day's play. England won the first and third sessions, but crumbled miserably in the afternoon. Still, it's heartening to see Robson, Ballance and Root, three of the under-25s in the side, batting with so much maturity.

Perhaps the most disappointing dismissal was Bell. He looked in great form, but sometimes having a couple of shots for every ball seems to lead him into failing to decide which to play and playing neither. He often seems to get out with a shot halfway between defence and attack; on this occasion it was halfway between hitting a harmless wide, short ball over the slips and leaving it and in the end he just touched it. He really needed to stay there with Root and guide England to a safe position.

India bowled well and always challenged the batsmen. This led to England scoring at a substantially higher rate than India but also losing wickets. India will take that deal any time.

India will hope the weather stays fine. If it does, I like their chances.

on July 12, 2014, 1:44 GMT

both these teams and poor and over rated par kholi dhoni and root

on July 12, 2014, 1:40 GMT

Whoever is predicting India's loss even after this terrific performance by our seamers, Don't worry I will literally have the last laugh here on cricinfo when India's gonna win this test match..Good to see some English fans acting fairly and giving credit to India for this exceptional performance..English fans seems to me are better than most others and are gracious even when they see their team has bleak chance to win or save this test match.. Thank you English fans..

on July 12, 2014, 1:31 GMT

I think England can feel comfortable now to save or even win this match. If the cloud cover persists tomorrow they can blow this in experience indian line up around 225. Then one or two steady innings from the top order can take them home.

Drew2
on July 12, 2014, 0:26 GMT

Best chance for India to win, is to have a reasonable session at England before the end of the 4th day. This not only means picking up the remaining wicket quickly, but scoring around 250 runs by just after tea and declaring. An hour at England 350 in front before stumps is good attacking captaincy and they could fold.

cyborg
on July 12, 2014, 0:06 GMT

prior dismissal is nothing new , , hes not the only one , the old fashion mantra of test cricket at its best , jimmy anderson looking set playing reverse sweeps and root in his stubbon self , but england will keep chasing this match because india is just too good , ishant and shami were great thankyou

SaracensBob
on July 11, 2014, 23:35 GMT

Theoretically all 4 results are on. Practically it's India to win or England to force the draw. Well as Joe and Jimmy have done I can't envisage a second 100-plus last wicket stand in this match. India will have an 80-plus lead on 1st Inns and should comfortably set England at least 300 to win on the last day. Will England see it out? Big innings from Cook and some decent contribution from the middle order and it'll be a draw - mmmm....
This match has contrived to become exciting in spite of the flat, lifeless track on which it is being played!

heathrf1974
on July 11, 2014, 23:10 GMT

Seems like a good test match and good to see the Indian quicks getting some wickets.

jeg1939
on July 11, 2014, 22:55 GMT

This Test match appears to be a Big Joke. The last wicket producing many runs.

fguy
on July 11, 2014, 22:42 GMT

whats the point of picking binny & bowling him only off & on for 6 overs? it's going to take him a few balls if not an over or 2 to get into some rhythm especially now considering he'll be nervous on debut. you may as well have played ashwin then who's a better batsman.

also, india made a mistake by taking the 2nd new ball so quickly. they were posing problems with the older one & should've persisted with it for a few more overs.

on July 11, 2014, 22:41 GMT

@2MikeGatti DRS is here to stay man. Get used to it. If DRS is totally taken out of the game. You will see more excessive appealing by fielding teams. That is something cricket doesn't want.

on July 11, 2014, 22:28 GMT

Indian bowlers are too tired to pick wickets in the second innings. I can't see India winning. Just two results are possible.

on July 11, 2014, 22:17 GMT

@Roshan_P. It's pretty simple, the Indian seamers are trying to hit the stumps, that and a good dose of patience is what's needed. England, bowling their dry line outside off are simply waiting for a mistake from the batsman. India on the other hand are going to get the benefit of some variable bounce at least by bowling straight. England bowled the same way against Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankans in turn bowled straight and won the day. England simply is not learning anything at all.

on July 11, 2014, 21:32 GMT

Today's play has shown that though India does not posess a bowler who can rip through the batting ,the bowlers can bowl as a unit and get wickets .This is where Dhoni has missed the trick by selecting Binny and not bowling him enough . If he uses Binny like this then its better to select Rohit/Gambhir as atleast they could get you some runs .The point here is not that Binny has been horrible but that he has been terribly underbowled.India should not hand debuts for the sake of it A fifth bowler would be ideal .More than Ashwin I would have gone with one of the other three seamers as even Jadeja bowled economically but was not able to grab a single wicket.India would be happy to restrict them under 400 whereas Root would look for a century and a 400 + score .Root never mind his terrible ashes is one the best young batsman in England. He could join the likes of Pujara Kohli Williamson Mathews and Steve Smith as one of the better batsmen of the next generation if he scores runs abroad

on July 11, 2014, 21:23 GMT

Ishant took 2 wickets now he is going to play at least 2 more games... sad for indian cricket

This last W stand's shaping up to be a big 1.Anderson's looking untroubled,as much at ease as any of the top order,likes of Sam,Ballance during their big stand.Before the horrid umpiring. Another 100 runs here with Root,Eng are firmly in the drivers.

on July 11, 2014, 21:15 GMT

@AmarBw what are you talking about? Kohli got out fair and square

OttawaRocks
on July 11, 2014, 21:15 GMT

This is the 3rd consecutive overseas series where Ishant has proven himself (SA, NZ, and now England). While Ishant is no Glenn McGrath, i.e., he can't always get wickets on demand, he has vastly improved in being a bowler who can take important wickets during pressure situations. This is unlike earlier in his career when Ishant would disappear during crunch situations. Let us hope Ishant continues his good run throughout the England series.

Nerk
on July 11, 2014, 21:08 GMT

Wow, English fans have really high expectations for their batsmen and Indian really low for their bowlers. To say the English batsmen have done poorly, considering they have scored 352 runs, is a fallacy that can only be matched by saying the Indian bowlers have done really well in conceding 'only' 352 runs. The fact is, both teams are neither doing spectacularly well or spectacularly bad.

The test is fairly evenly poised, India slightly ahead. India deserve this lead, their bowlers have performed better than England's in this match. They have bowled a good line and length, and troubled the poms. Ishant continues to be used poorly by Dhoni - he is India's strikebowler but he is used like a workhorse. England's bowlers should be watching how India are bowling, and pitch it straight at the pegs on this deck. I would like to also defend Root who has been accused of batting poorly - it doesn't matter how you score runs, it only matters that you score them.

sudhindranath
on July 11, 2014, 20:56 GMT

Interesting Day 4 in store. If England can restrict the target to 300 i.e. by confining India to 200-250 in their second innings, then they have a good chance on Day 5. On the other hand, if India wrap up England's first innings tomorrow and then score close to 300 runs in 75 overs, they can set a target of 400 in 100 overs and then have England bat for 10 overs by close of play.

electric_loco_WAP4
on July 11, 2014, 20:54 GMT

It is definitely a flat pitch still and draw is an overwhelming favourite.When Robson,Balance were putting up their big stand vs clueless Ind attack it looked a batting feast was upon us.Sad the umpiring had to spoil it for Eng.I'm from India by the way.

niazbhi
on July 11, 2014, 20:54 GMT

I have to admit... I wrote off Ishant and he did well... india could not drop him as he was the best bowler in NZ. He got three key wickets here. Bt his first wicket was on a wrong decision.. Prior's wicket was called the worst umpiring decision. Umpiring mistakes have been very much key to this match so far. If india can get Anderson early.. they can easily score 300 runs and declare with 10 overs to go and win the test on the 5th day wicket (Jadeja might do really well on the 5th day wicket). If Anderson and Root plays out 10-15 overs and England bowls well in the morning.. india cannot accelerate as much.. resulting a draw. With Cook out, Stokes, Ali, Prior not reallly qualifying as full fledged test batsman.. Englands fortune depends on Robson, Bell and Ballance... (and Root). At least one of them need to save this test.

on July 11, 2014, 20:33 GMT

India will lose this match. Trust me they will lose. .

PeerieTrow
on July 11, 2014, 20:22 GMT

@2MikeGattings: If only it were that simple. In addition, your simplistic summary of the role and achievement of DRS leaves me mildly bemused. DRS is a toolset to assist umpires, not to usurp their role. The fact that it is used more by umpires on request than on the part of the opposing teams is more of a comment on the general standard of umpiring than anything else. Commentators, summarisers, players and journalists have repeatedly expressed the opinion that the most consistent and reliable umpires are those of Australian and English extraction, with the notable exception in recent years of Aleem Dar. This means under the current rules that any test match either England or Australia play is policed by less capable officials, and this was only too evident in the Sri Lanka tests and this encounter with India thus far. Without DRS there is inconsistent umpiring across all test matches and taking a glib approach to the fact that officials make mistakes only embeds mediocrity.

USAMAAJMAL678
on July 11, 2014, 20:18 GMT

lol i can only laugh at people plotting an indian victory here...saying india should bat like this or that put on a run rate of 4-4.5 and give a 400 target and 100 overs to bowl...are u people so naive that after seeing dhoni for all those years how defensive a captain he is he will go for an attacking strategy in this situation..england will play 6-7 overs more get 20-30 runs...that will give india 80-90 lead...the type of captain dhoni is he will atleast give england 375-400 lead and for that they will have to score 320 runs...no way will dhoni go with aggression they will play with the same 3 run rate and if a couple of wickets fall thy will go to a 2.5 rate..dhoni will always go for safety first policy and that will not give india enough overs to bowl england out..no way will dhoni risk giving them a hint of chase coz he is a defensive captain and always goes for safety first..the only one who can win from here is england if the get india out cheaply in 2nd innings around 150-170..

on July 11, 2014, 20:07 GMT

Another England collapse. We don't seem to pick anyone who can consistently bat time. While England were floundering, Nick Compton scored 177 for once out, batting for nine hours against a rampant Steve Finn on a lively pitch at Uxbridge. He only got out at all trying to go to his ton with a six over square leg. This evening, he scored 46 off 31 balls, with 2 sixes. He bats accordomng to the situation. He should never have been dropped.

on July 11, 2014, 19:52 GMT

game is not over till its over indians will loose or it will be a draw indian bowlerrs dnt have enough stamina to bowl two innings lol just wait and watch

JustIPL
on July 11, 2014, 19:39 GMT

Appreciate positive intent from english batsmen as they scored on the brisk pace(RPO 3.32 vs 2.83) while indian seamers kept bowling into the stumps. This enabled england to avoid follow on. Indian batsmen left alone so many balls and their scoring rate was eventually low resulting in almost 100 runs disadvantage. Also, good to see Broad, Ballance, Robson and all important Root who ensured that india don't get any advantage and then broad denied taking any pressure with amazing stroke play. Broad is the best all rounder out of both the teams and I forecast he being the man of the series.

cric1965
on July 11, 2014, 19:38 GMT

Dhoni can give 350 and 120 overs or 300 and 90 overs target for England. Can he take that challenge?

on July 11, 2014, 19:38 GMT

@Timekiller, the idea of wondering if a 2nd spinner would add valud has nothing to do with Binny's competence, just that if near the end of day 4 & during day 5, there is more in the wicket for spinners than seamers, Ashwin rather than Binny as an available bowler would add more value - under the circumstances.

@Thozar, T20-style batting is not 6 - 7 an over, given the nature of the pitch it should be 8 - 10 an over.

on July 11, 2014, 19:33 GMT

i think 250 runs will be enough for England to follow in 2nd innings ,on day 5 Indian bowlers will rip off the the English batting .

on July 11, 2014, 19:22 GMT

India always allow Broad to score very easily. They would have kept a close in fielders on either side to catch him. Though they may get a slender lead, they always perform in second innings against a quality pace attack. India is now go to plan B to draw the test rather than winning it

on July 11, 2014, 19:20 GMT

Once again, late order partnerships are hurting India a bit. Instead of Binny we should have played Aaron or someone, an out an out quick who can bowl yorkers and clean up the tail. Ishant bowled beautifully in one spell today but unfortunately even he doesn't have the skill to quickly wrap up the tail. I was a bit disappointed by Shami today -- although he had good rhythm he didn't seem to bowling as quick as normally does, and he bowled a few too many bad balls.

bhushanB
on July 11, 2014, 19:08 GMT

Sorry for the negativity here folks... but The same old adamant and stubborn Dhoni... Giving Binny just 5 overs is atrocious... Ali got to bowl more.. even when he went for more than 6 an hour... and the first spell after couple of loose overs.. Binny did induce couple of false shots.. and getting into the rhythm....

I am not saying he would have done wonders... but why do you crush someone's confidence so blatantly.. just so you can get your buddy Ashwin or Rohit into the final X1... How pathetic

on July 11, 2014, 19:04 GMT

both the tail r playing well ihope after top order we should send tail thn late middle order espacially after btwn 7 8 9 after 10 11

on July 11, 2014, 18:51 GMT

I have a feeling that this game is heading towards a draw. the slow pace at which the Indian batting played has to an extent made it very difficult for India to get something close to a win. India hav always struggled to get tailenders which in this game as well comes as no surprise but the key now is the get this sole wicket and bat well in quick in the 2nd innings. with the ball, all three Indian seamers showed great heart with bhuvi leading well but Dhoni seems reluctant with the inclusion of Binny.agreed he was wayward with his line and lengths in the morning session but u got to hav a little more faith in a young man playing his debut test who you hav backed up as your 5th frontline bowler. this would certainly hav shattered his heart and I doubt he will perform well in this game in what's to come in the remaining 2 days. if Dhoni was tentative of Binny I would hav rather gone in with a genuine quick bowler to atleast clean up the tailenders in quick time.

Proteas_Power
on July 11, 2014, 18:50 GMT

@Yousufahmed1- who told you that Vaas was the bowler with 115 kph speed. He was the genuine pacer. Glenn McGrath was not too quick but his 563 wickets made him all time great pacer bowler ever. As McGrath we were Vaas who was not so pacey but accurate as McGrath. Plz don't say that McGrath is a ordinary bowler. He is all time legend as Vaas, Sanga & Murli. Do you have any McGrath in your team ever in whole cricketing life. Never.

TimeKiller
on July 11, 2014, 18:34 GMT

Wow..."India may come to wonder if they should have gone with an extra spinner." Really ? You select Binny, you give him just 6 overs and you wonder this? Let Binny bowl 25 overs before you wonder anything at all.

on July 11, 2014, 18:29 GMT

This test not yet over mates.. Still lot more to come. Eng may come close to 400.. Still ind wil have a lead only 50 odd runs.. Enhlish seamers wil prove it.. But pretty bleak for results. Lets hope.. Cheers.,
Shivnash frm Sydney

on July 11, 2014, 18:22 GMT

If India straggle in second innings definitely England have a chance otherwise match is going to draw.4th day ideal for England seamers.

2MikeGattings
on July 11, 2014, 18:05 GMT

DRS has done its job - umpires will now give LBW decisions to spinners.

Now let's get rid of it. Umpiring mistakes are part of the game. And I'm enjoying the faster over rates.

Amar_bw
on July 11, 2014, 18:04 GMT

Regarding Prior's wicket, Chappell says Dhoni should not have appealed. However, I am surprised that no one questions about Kohli's wicket. There should not have been appeal either. Kohli's wicket was more critical.

thozar
on July 11, 2014, 18:01 GMT

India should score at around 3 an over in the first session and then accelerate in the second to around 4.5-5 an over. Play the first hour of the last session like a T20 and score at 6-7 an over. That would give them a lead of 400. Then have no more than one hour at the hapless England batsmen. Cook wil surely get out in the first few overs and push on for 2 or 3 more wickets. Remember SL had them on the ropes at 50+ for 5 at the end of the 4th day. That should be enough to seal the test. Their tail won't wag every innings.

I tip Kohli and/or Dhawan to get a century in the 2nd dig. England will not even get to 200.

@Flat_Trac_Bally, how are they perfectly matching? We are way way better. Your lot even lost to SL at home.

@Arun Bose, I also believed Ishant was truly back to form after the NZ series. With his height, he is a great asset to India.

Well done boys, usually it is the first test that is our bane. Now that we have almost sealed it, go for the kill in the rest of the series

on July 11, 2014, 18:00 GMT

thanks to the English tail India and msd are paving a path to victory. if India had batted for 15 overs today there is always a danger of losing premier batsman...and now when root and Anderson face Atleaat 5-10 overs of tomorrow the sting will be taken out..India can pile on the 100 odd lead with quick runs expect a 400 ish target with India trying to bowl out England in 100 overs . quite easy for India now

thozar
on July 11, 2014, 17:53 GMT

Usually India starts an away series poorly. That may have prompted Duncan to test Binny instead of Ashwin for this test as India usually get better as the series progresses. Now that our 3 pacemen have shown that they are quite comfortable with the conditions and given the fact that the England batsmen struggle against even mediocre pacemen like Dhammika Prasad, we should stick with our 3 seamers and bring in Ashwin instead of Binny. Although something tells me that Binny will be a handful in these conditions and so Ashwin should replace Jadeja. Or, replace both Jadeja and Binny with Ashwin and Rohit. We don't need too many bowlers against this England batting side who look really poor. Prior was unlucky though but even Vijay was unlucky and he had a century and was going really well. Prior may have gone next ball for all we know.

India to win by 200 runs.

sreek09
on July 11, 2014, 17:52 GMT

Very good batting by English tail, they have made sure that India won't win this match. As usual captain Dhoni clueless during decisive moments of the match. By the time he learns how to win an overseas test match, his retirement age would have come. The most saddening part is that a team with such rich heritage for spinners is playing Jadeja as its test match spinner. I think the after effect of overlooking real talent and promoting a useless guy like Ashwin.

rk_ks
on July 11, 2014, 17:51 GMT

Where are the England fans who complained about the pitch when India scored 457. If it is a flat pitch, then why did England batsmen fail. Is that Eng batsmen lack skill.

Yousufahmed1
on July 11, 2014, 17:45 GMT

@ electric_loco_WAP4 IND really missing a genuine fast bowler like vaas who could bowl at a breath taking speed of 115 kph.

If Dinda was born in SL he would have been considered a legend. Or Jadeja would have been a legend too coz he averages more than Mahela and can field and bowl as well. That is the difference of class in some teams.

Silverbails
on July 11, 2014, 17:43 GMT

This Test match is going to be close. the usual inability of the Indians to rip through the tail end is well known. And, why they aren't into their second innings is completely beyond me. It looks like the Indian bowlers are making Anderson look like a World Class batsman. Pathetic. A minimum lead of 350 should be enough on the last day, given that there are only 2 days of this Test, and Dhoni really needs to be more aggressive. This defensive mindset will only ever result in either boring draws or losses!! Anyway, let's see what happens tomorrow.

thozar
on July 11, 2014, 17:41 GMT

India are still comfortably placed to win. All the tail has done for England is that they have managed to drag the game to the 5th day. It is disappointing that we have let them score 352 from 205-7 especially the last wicket pair is frustrating. It must have been frustrating for them too when Bhuvi and Shami were thrashing them. But, boy, this is one of the most docile pitches, nothing in it for the bowlers, but still Bhuvi, Shami, and Ishant have taken 9 wickets giving away very little. Yes, the same pitch, where 300+ wicket taker Jimmy Anderson huffed and puffed his way to 3 wickets for more than a 120 runs. I knew Bhuvi will be great in these conditions, expected Shami to get a few more though. Ishant was back in form in New Zealand itself and only a great rearguard from BMaC saved NZ. But, there is no one like him in this Eng side. As I mentioned yesterday, Eng batting is worse than their bowling. Their captain was their only half decent batsman and he is out of form.

Greatest_Game
on July 11, 2014, 17:33 GMT

@ Viraj Save commented "@ Greatest game...yup mate n yesterday it took 'JUST' 38.1 overs for that sigh of relief for few millions."

I don't think there were any sighs of relief yesterday - at that point I think the poms were all too traumatized! However, I'm pretty sure that during the evening English pubs saw a lot of tears flowing into a lot of beers!

However, we neutrals are enjoying these quite amazing post lunch collapses followed by fascinating and stubborn rearguard innings from both sides. A wagging tail is always the sign of a friendly dog & a well contested test match! This match has already had so many twists and turns I figure just about anything can, & will, happen over the next 2 days. I was expecting long, boring draws but this is turning out to exciting stuff. Right now Eng have clawed their way back into the game with Anderson & Root dug in 105 short of India's total. The way things have been going, their inns could be over in one ball, or resume tomorrow. Who knows?

on July 11, 2014, 17:24 GMT

Shami's pace or lack of it has been a huge disappointment. He's averaging around 133 kph.

IndTheBest
on July 11, 2014, 17:12 GMT

I don't understand why Dhoni wants to play with 4 bowlers when he has 5. If you don't give rest to your main bowlers they can't always come back and get you the wickets.

on July 11, 2014, 17:05 GMT

what is the use of giving away singles to Root?? He's not going to blast you out of the park anyways.
Also why did they pick Binny? batting at no 8 and bowling 5 overs.!! surely Rohit or Ashwin will replace him next match.

on July 11, 2014, 16:46 GMT

@ Greatest game...yup mate n yesterday it took 'JUST' 38.1 overs for that sigh of relief for few millions

on July 11, 2014, 16:35 GMT

I would really like to read an article from one Mr.George Dobell tonight, I just love to read his cricketing literature.. Please Sir, Write an article for us tonight.. I love ur pitch conundrum literature.. Would love to read it for hours..

on July 11, 2014, 16:35 GMT

@electric_loco_WAP : told you already... you are still a novice when it comes yo.prediction and cricket.... as you typed that message, broad goes and plunket follows him.... try more.prediction.... your every message seems to be good omen for India

Snambidi
on July 11, 2014, 16:29 GMT

In a prematch report I had made a posting about the chances of an edge for India.I was mentioned there about the Batting to be the key of success for India.

But still two day us are left .If India can take 10 wickets today there is a slight possibility forvacresult
Virat Kohli will have to perform well together with Poojara.

Greatest_Game
on July 11, 2014, 16:14 GMT

Whoa! Stuart Broad walks in and immediately counterattacks, as he has done to India at Trent bridge before, putting them to the sword! In 21 balls he sails past the 26 it took Root 69 balls to accumulate. Root got so excited he hit a boundary!

Is this the revival? Is Stuart Broad the sword wielding cavalry officer to lead the charge? Broad tears into the Indians, plundering 47 runs of 42 deliveries, but then finds he has headed down the wrong valley, is surrounded, & gets trapped with the new ball. Oh dear - Broad's attack was not a battle changing event, but rather more like the Charge of the Light Brigade!

Oh, and that earth shaking roar heard around the world? Nope, no earthquake - that was the seldom heard sound of a billion simultaneous sighs of relief!

VinodGupte
on July 11, 2014, 16:10 GMT

Let's not get too excited about the collapse from ENG. Their tail is wagging and wagging well. Expect IND to lead by no more than 80 and then this test will end in a draw. Regardless, this is a huge morale best for IND. They usually do poorly on the first overseas test. But this series is different. IND will surely win this series.

electric_loco_WAP4
on July 11, 2014, 16:10 GMT

Normal service resumes now. Broad and Root are having a ball at expense of mediocre Ind bowlers and Ishant going @ his usual 7 rpo.Looks like Broad will bring up his 100 today itself before close.

Resultpredictor
on July 11, 2014, 15:34 GMT

Congrats India for phenomenal turn around. England lost test in just one session. Now England try to avoid series defeat because this is the strongest Indian team to tour England and India are well placed to win this test and series. This England side is the WORST team to play test cricket, worst bowling side and even worse batting unit. India is clear favorite to win series. England cannot win even a single test in this series. This is the start of GOLDEN era of GREAT INDIAN TEAM. Congrats Dhoni and India.

KeepitHonest
on July 11, 2014, 15:28 GMT

How many more catches will Kohli have to drop before conventional wisdom places him in the outfield instead of politically correct spots??? He is too tense and every time he drops a catch the expert on hand points out the flaws. Remember McCullum not too long ago? That one cost India the match.

on July 11, 2014, 15:11 GMT

Big session coming up .India need to shed off their reputation of being incapable of taking last few wickets.Broad Root Plunkett can all bat and Anderson can be frustating enough to stick around .Sharma got the two set batsmen and a fluent looking bell .He has done this many times before .I was watching on tv and he was by far inducing most edges and causing most problems in the two sessions so far .Does he and the rest of the attack have the killer instinct to finish it off .Would like Jadeja and Binny to take the remaining wickets as it would boost their confidence especially binny .No point in enforcing follow on if we bundle them out under the follow on score as the seamers need a well earned rest .Let the batsmen fight it out and take the game away from England by setting 450 -500 as the score .

Roshan_P
on July 11, 2014, 15:08 GMT

How are India bowling so much better than England on this flat pitch? I remember in the Adelaide Test England complained about the same thing. Then Mitchell Johnson arrived and started tearing us up. The Indian bowlers are not even that quick and yet still we are not getting enough wickets. It is a crime that we let the last wicket partnership go on for so long on so many occassions. I think the pitch is not a good one (perhaps India are doing well because they know how to bowl on such pitches) but we cannot pin it all on this!

They have to find a way to dig in for as long as possible and make sure the lead is as small as possible. I expect better bowling from England when India come out to bat, especially from Plunkett who is flattering to deceive so far. He works hard and bowls alright, but he often puts it on the wrong line and length.

Greatest_Game
on July 11, 2014, 15:05 GMT

Oh dear - just took a look and it is now 202 for 6. Eng's tail better get ready to wield the willow - like Jimmy did so successfully in the 2nd SL test, until that 2nd last ball ….

No way. I looked up from typing and it is 204 for 7 after Stokes' massive 2 ball knock. (Yes - unbelievably both Stokes & Prior lasted for less balls than Cook.) England are collapsing as only they can. Is it possible for them to mount a 10th wicket resistance? Ashton Agar's 98 was EXACTLY one year ago, at this ground. Can England's specialist spinner do it like Agar did …..ooops, did I say specialist spinner? Darn - Plunkett does not put revs on the ball, does he?

74 for 6 between lunch and tea. I wonder if Moores thinks that this is also one of Cook's "best days as skipper?"

I have not been watching the match, so I have a question of my fellow cricket followers here. Is this debacle a case of bad English batting, or great Indian bowling? I can't tell, so I look forward to hearing your opinions.

Greatest_Game
on July 11, 2014, 14:55 GMT

Oh dear - just took a look and it is now 202 for 6. Eng's tail better get ready to wield the willow - like Jimmy did so successfully in the 2nd SL test, until that 2nd last ball ….

No way. I looked up from typing and it is 204 for 7 after Stokes' massive 2 ball knock. (Yes - unbelievably both Stokes & Prior lasted for less balls than Cook.) England are collapsing as only they can. Is it possible for them to mount a 10th wicket resistance? Ashton Agar's 98 was EXACTLY one year ago, at this ground. Can England's specialist spinner do it like Agar did …..ooops, did I say specialist spinner? Darn - Plunkett does not put revs on the ball, does he?

74 for 6 between lunch and tea. I wonder if Moores thinks that this is also one of Cook's "best days as skipper?"

I have not been watching the match, so I have a question of my fellow cricket followers here. Is this debacle a case of bad English batting, or great Indian bowling? I can't tell, so I look forward to hearing your opinions.

gsingh7
on July 11, 2014, 14:55 GMT

come on india win the test from here on and win series . india dominating england in this series first with bat and now with ball. ishant haters have keep shut by his worthy performance. i dont see talk of flat pitch anymore.maybe because indian balling attack is better than england and writers have been quick to criticize pitch after one innings.

milepost
on July 11, 2014, 14:46 GMT

Woah England seem to be able to find a way to implode on any surface against any attack. Bumble "England have has a pathetic and shocking afternoon". I suppose it's apt following up after the Aussie summer and the start to their own where Sri Lanka owned them. Now it's India's turn. Good to see the new era under Moores taking shape. @5-0wombats, @neil99FFL, I agree England will plummet in the rankings this summer and the Aussie may need an alternative Ashes opponent next summer. If 75mph can bounce England out the Aussies at 90+mph will be far too good.

CodandChips
on July 11, 2014, 14:42 GMT

Tough times ahead for England. The youngsters may be batting well. But what about the senior players? Cook, Bell and Prior? About time they all stepped up. When was the last hundred between then?

Another concern is the bowling. The pitch was flat for our bowlers, but the Indians are making it seem like a gold old green top. Same with the Sri Lankans. This is not good.

Also the Shami and Kumar. Best. Agar. These are all worrying. Our bowlers cannot take 10 wickets in an innings.

In some sense, with Eng at 202/7, India's true test begins now (though they might have got lucky with the Prior dismissal). They have been in this kind of situation on their last 2 tours, SA in J'burg and NZ 91/5 in 2nd test in Wellington. Can India get the remaining 3 wickets without too many runs? Post a challenging 4th innings target? Take 10 wkts the second time around? Only the 2nd of the 3 seems manageable. One way or the other, this test has suddenly come to life.

on July 11, 2014, 14:37 GMT

Moores must go, opening the way for a second 'reintegration' for KP :-)

CodandChips
on July 11, 2014, 14:34 GMT

England are in a precarious position. India are firmly in control, thanks to an excellent bowling spell by Ishant Sharma, with good support from the other bowlers.

People may moan about the lack of DRS. But both teams may have had decisions that they might have overturned with DRS. You can't predict how the game would differ with DRS. So forget about it.

Both decisions yesterday were incorrect but certainly not bad decisions. Robson's one today was out or not. Who knows. But it was given out and that's all that matters. If I was a third umpire and that was reviewed, I wouldn't have overturned it because of the lack of conclusive evidence. Perhaps the Prior one was a bad decision, but you'll always get one. Especially Dharmasena.

Ballance and Robson played excellently. Both are bright prospects.

But taken nothing away from India's bowlers. They've been excellent on a flat pitch which England could do nothing on.

England claim to have a long batting lineup. Now show us it is.

on July 11, 2014, 14:33 GMT

its raining wickets at trent

Front-Foot-Lunge-Needs-A-Hug
on July 11, 2014, 14:29 GMT

Wow, bounced out Ali instead. Prior gone. Like the Ashes this pitch seems to be going from road to minefield? The common denominator when it is a minefield seems to be England batting. Funny that. The pressure mounts on Cook, no runs for a year and you know the rest.

on July 11, 2014, 14:26 GMT

England bowlers would be digging a hole in the dressing room right now to hide bcz "mediocre Indian bowlers by popular vote" are bowling better than them right now.. It's 198/5 now..And all the wickets has been taken by seamers not Sir ji.. Anderson bhai, This wicket is pretty good, You just need to bowl well to take wickets on this track..

on July 11, 2014, 14:25 GMT

Shami bounces Mo out. How can this happen on this pitch?

Greatest_Game
on July 11, 2014, 14:24 GMT

Bhuvi Kumar & Shami wreck Eng with the bat. Ishant wrecks Eng with the ball. Sent the Indian batsmen home, and bring in more bowlers - against all expectations they are the ones doing the job!

on July 11, 2014, 14:00 GMT

Looks like England heading for a massive defeat. So much for the brave new era of positive and attacking cricket. Fair play to India who have utilised conditions much better than England and are the better side.

Front-Foot-Lunge-Needs-A-Hug
on July 11, 2014, 13:56 GMT

Root back to his 'class' making a road look like a minefield. Let's get Prior in and bounce him out. England in all sorts of trouble.

Fangahawk
on July 11, 2014, 13:52 GMT

Amazing stuff by Ishant Sharma. His three wickets helped India get the upper hand i in the match. But, you can't take anything away from Ravindra Jadeja as he kept it tight and made the batsmen frustrated which helped Ishant get the wickets. MS Dhoni should start attacking the batsmen by giving Shami the ball and tell him to bowl many bouncers, justlike how Johnson had did to destroy the batting line-up of England

on July 11, 2014, 13:51 GMT

India miss leading bowler zaheer khan ... he very useful county condition.....

on July 11, 2014, 13:46 GMT

@Wayne H. Halliday- This is cricket, A game of uncertainity.. England are 174/4 now.. 500 is a dream now..

on July 11, 2014, 13:44 GMT

Everyone wanted Ishant's head before the series started, now look how he's bowling, I said here somewhere on cricinfo that Ishant bhai is our best bet in this series..He already taken three wickets.. C'mon Ishant bhai take a five-for now and prove everyone wrong.. I believed in you even before the series started and I knew you won't dissappoint mad fans like me..

Nampally
on July 11, 2014, 13:36 GMT

Dhoni must be regretting including Binny in the XI. He failed in batting & his medium slow pace will be ineffective on this pitch. So India will literally rely on 4 bowlers for the rest of the match. Fortunately, Ishant was lucky enough to get 2 wkts.- both LBW's. It will have to be Kumar & Shami stepping up to support Ishant in the wkt. haul. Jadeja may be more effective on Day 4 & 5. He is at least able to keep the runs down by holding the for at one end. Had Ashwin played inatead of Binny, he woud have done the same as Jadeja. But inclusion of Aaron would have made a lot of difference at 150 KPH. Dhoni has at least got one political hurdle out of the way by trying Binny, who is also son of a Selector. At least for the remaining 4 Tests he can pick right horses for the right course. I this Test both Aaron & Ashwin would have been more logical choice instead of Binny, who is still far from Test calbre Cricketer. But India is stuck with just 4 bowlers instead of 5 in Nottingham Test.

mikkkk
on July 11, 2014, 13:28 GMT

"Now that Robson has had a decision to even up Vijay yesterday" or we could have just had both decisions correct instead of living in the dark ages.

on July 11, 2014, 13:22 GMT

Where are those people who said ishanth is useless ..he is proving again after nz series he is a very good test bowler

fredthered1863
on July 11, 2014, 13:15 GMT

Now that Robson has had a decision to even up Vijay yesterday an we forget about umpiring descions and DRS and concetrate on the cricket

on July 11, 2014, 12:48 GMT

England bat all the way down #10 and the #11 can hang around a bit, will score 500 easy against a pedestrian Indian attack.

Monoz1976
on July 11, 2014, 12:40 GMT

Perfectly matching teams. Hope for run feast from both the teams.

No featured comments at the moment.

Monoz1976
on July 11, 2014, 12:40 GMT

Perfectly matching teams. Hope for run feast from both the teams.

on July 11, 2014, 12:48 GMT

England bat all the way down #10 and the #11 can hang around a bit, will score 500 easy against a pedestrian Indian attack.

fredthered1863
on July 11, 2014, 13:15 GMT

Now that Robson has had a decision to even up Vijay yesterday an we forget about umpiring descions and DRS and concetrate on the cricket

on July 11, 2014, 13:22 GMT

Where are those people who said ishanth is useless ..he is proving again after nz series he is a very good test bowler

mikkkk
on July 11, 2014, 13:28 GMT

"Now that Robson has had a decision to even up Vijay yesterday" or we could have just had both decisions correct instead of living in the dark ages.

Nampally
on July 11, 2014, 13:36 GMT

Dhoni must be regretting including Binny in the XI. He failed in batting & his medium slow pace will be ineffective on this pitch. So India will literally rely on 4 bowlers for the rest of the match. Fortunately, Ishant was lucky enough to get 2 wkts.- both LBW's. It will have to be Kumar & Shami stepping up to support Ishant in the wkt. haul. Jadeja may be more effective on Day 4 & 5. He is at least able to keep the runs down by holding the for at one end. Had Ashwin played inatead of Binny, he woud have done the same as Jadeja. But inclusion of Aaron would have made a lot of difference at 150 KPH. Dhoni has at least got one political hurdle out of the way by trying Binny, who is also son of a Selector. At least for the remaining 4 Tests he can pick right horses for the right course. I this Test both Aaron & Ashwin would have been more logical choice instead of Binny, who is still far from Test calbre Cricketer. But India is stuck with just 4 bowlers instead of 5 in Nottingham Test.

on July 11, 2014, 13:44 GMT

Everyone wanted Ishant's head before the series started, now look how he's bowling, I said here somewhere on cricinfo that Ishant bhai is our best bet in this series..He already taken three wickets.. C'mon Ishant bhai take a five-for now and prove everyone wrong.. I believed in you even before the series started and I knew you won't dissappoint mad fans like me..

on July 11, 2014, 13:46 GMT

@Wayne H. Halliday- This is cricket, A game of uncertainity.. England are 174/4 now.. 500 is a dream now..

on July 11, 2014, 13:51 GMT

India miss leading bowler zaheer khan ... he very useful county condition.....

Fangahawk
on July 11, 2014, 13:52 GMT

Amazing stuff by Ishant Sharma. His three wickets helped India get the upper hand i in the match. But, you can't take anything away from Ravindra Jadeja as he kept it tight and made the batsmen frustrated which helped Ishant get the wickets. MS Dhoni should start attacking the batsmen by giving Shami the ball and tell him to bowl many bouncers, justlike how Johnson had did to destroy the batting line-up of England